New Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 launched: price, engine, specs, features and more

The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 has been launched in India, with prices ranging from Rs 3.99 lakh-5.84 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The K10 moniker has returned to the Alto after more than two years; The previous K10 was discontinued with the transition to BS6 emission norms. The third-gen Alto K10 is larger than its predecessor, gets completely new exterior and interior styling, and also brings back the 1.0-litre petrol engine on the model.

• Third-gen Alto K10 based on Heartect platform
• Gets 67hp, 1.0-litre K10C petrol engine from Celerio
• CNG version expected to follow at later stage

New Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: exterior design

In terms of design, the new Alto K10 is a complete departure from its predecessor and looks more in line with the current Celerio. It is now based on Maruti’s Heartect platform, which underpins a whole range of models from the Celerio to the Ertiga, and has thus sufficiently grown in size as well. Measuring 3,530mm in length, 1,490mm in width and 1,520mm in height, the new Alto K10 is 85mm longer and 45mm taller than the Alto 800. The wheelbase, at 2,380mm, has also grown by 20mm. The width, however, remains the same as the Alto 800. 

The overall shape of the new Alto K10 is now more rounded and a little more upright than before. Up front, it gets wide sweptback halogen headlamps and a large hexagonal grille with a mesh-pattern air intake, both of which combined look like a laughing emoji. The front bumper features a few angular creases at the sides and a contrasting black trim element at the front, although there are no provisions for fog lamps or LED DRLs.

Over to the sides, the new Alto K10 gets a prominent shoulder line and a few more character lines when compared to its predecessor. The glasshouse, however, remains similar in shape and the turn indicators continue to be mounted on the front fenders. And like the Celerio, the new Alto K10 gets lift-up door handles. As standard, the Alto K10 rides on 13-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers.

The rear end design, however, is rather plain and at first glance looks very similar to that of the Celerio. On closer look, however, you’ll notice that the tail-lights are slightly different, and the rear bumper mimics the front one’s design. Like its predecessor, it still misses out on a rear wash/wiper.

New Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: interior and features

Just like the outside, the interior of the new Alto K10 has also been completely redesigned. The dashboard is now more upright and the dual-tone colour scheme of the previous model has now made way for an all-black interior theme. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is a new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system – same as the Celerio, S-Presso – garnished with two silver accents on either side.

Interestingly, the central AC vents mimic the design of the pre-facelift second-gen Alto, while a lot of the switchgear such as the steering wheel, control stalks, interior door handles and side AC vents have been lifted from the Celerio. Even the placement of power window buttons below the infotainment screen is similar to the Celerio and S-Presso. 

In terms of features, the new Alto K10 gets manual air-conditioning, a 7-inch Smart Play infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering mounted controls, digital speedometre  and a four-speaker audio system. In terms of safety, it gets ABS, dual front airbags and front seat belt pretensioners. Maruti is also offering two accessory packages – Glinto and Impacto.

New Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: engine and gearbox

The new Alto K10 is now powered by Maruti’s new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, K10C petrol engine that produces 67hp and 89Nm of peak torque, the same output it produces in the Celerio and S-Presso. The engine comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

Thanks to dual-jet technology and idle start/stop system, the new Alto K10 is even more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Maruti claims a fuel efficiency of 24.39 kpl for the manual versions and 24.90 kpl for the automatic versions.

Do note that the new Alto will not be offered with Maruti’s tried and tested 48hp, 800cc petrol engine, as that will be reserved for the older-gen model, which will continue to be on sale alongside the new model.

A factory-fitted CNG version of the 1.0-litre K10C engine is expected to be offered on the new Alto at a later point in time.

New Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: rivals

The only direct rival to the new Alto K10 at this budget end of the market is the Renault Kwid. However, prices of the new Alto K10 overlap with those of the S-Presso and also the existing Alto 800, which are other options that customers could also be looking at.

What are your first impressions of the all-new Alto K10? Let us know in the comments below.